What do you think about the way you look? Do you have a good body -image? No one can deny that the way we look has become more important, but it can be quite difficult these days to find many people who have a good body- image. Whereas at one time it seemed to be mainly younger women who worried about the way they looked, these days it’s men and women of all ages, teenagers and more worryingly children as young as five.

Figures released earlier this year by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAPPS) showed that despite the recession in the UK cosmetic surgery procedures increased by 5% in 2010 and those figures only account for surgical procedures and do not account for non-invasive procedures such as Botox. The UK spends more than the rest of Europe put together on cosmetic surgery, although the UK figures are nothing in comparison to those in America. It is clear that there are many people who have concerns about their body-image.

So what exactly is body-image? Our body-image is part of our self-image and is about what we look like, and how we perceive what we look like as well as how others see us. Our body-image is affected by different cultural images and influences from our family, our peers and others including the media, and these influences can contribute in a positive or negative way. If you have a good body-image then you’re likely to have more self-worth and less depression or be less anxious about yourself. However, the opposite is true if you have a poor body-image.

Of course nowadays there are a great many different options to improving your body image. It’s clear that although some people are resorting to cosmetic surgery to improve their body image and boost their self-esteem, there are plenty of others that are spending large amounts on non-invasive cosmetic treatments or beauty products. Others try to change their shape through exercise or dieting. And of course clothing, change of hair styles can affect body image. We are lucky to live in times where there are so many choices available to change the way we look.

However, and it is a big however, because body-image is so interrelated with self-esteem it’s important to keep whatever changes you make in perspective. It’s not just a case of making external changes to the way you look. It’s also important that you have a good body-image even when you’re body is less than ‘perfect’.

It’s important that you:

Challenge your own views about your body image – this is import to check that your distorted views Ask someone you trust – and listen to what they say. This can help put some of our views into perspective. Of course if you’re not prepared to listen you’re wasting your time.

Be comfortable in your own ‘skin’. If you’re uncomfortable with aspects of your body such as weight – do something about it, but it’s important to accept the things you can’t change (eg – its no good hating your body image because you want legs 4 inches longer!)

Make changes that are affecting your health: Carrying around too much weight is the most common issue affects health and body-image. If this is an issue, face-up to it and do something about it. However, it is not just physical issues, but mental issues that affect health and well-being. Counselling and coaching are options and are always options before surgery.

Remember to love yourself. However you feel about your body image – it’s important to love yourself and maintain your self-esteem.

So how good is your body image?